The peak of Covid-19 infections, the number of which is currently at record highs, is “
in sight
” in Germany, assured Chancellor Olaf Scholz who is facing growing pressure to ease certain restrictions.
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"
Scientific forecasts show us that the peak of the wave is in sight
," said the Social Democratic leader during an intervention in the Bundesrat, the upper house of the German parliament, which represents the regional states.
"
This allows us to consider a first stage of reopening at the meeting with the Länder next week, then others for the spring
," he added.
Consultations are due to take place again next Wednesday between the Chancellor and the representatives of the regional states for the follow-up to be given to the binding measures in force to fight against the pandemic.
With variations between regions, these restrictions mainly concern restaurants, bars, cafes or so-called non-essential businesses, access to which is prohibited for non-vaccinated people.
In some cases, an antigen test is also required, in addition to a full vaccination or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 for those who have not received a third injection.
Hit later than other European countries such as Great Britain or France by the omicron variant, Germany is currently experiencing contamination records.
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They reached more than 240,000 in 24 hours on Friday, according to the health monitoring institute RKI, but this is the first drop over a week since the start of the year.
The discontent of the Germans tired of the restrictions is increasingly felt.
Olaf Scholz also has to deal with the increasingly pressing demands for flexibility from one of his two coalition partners, the liberal FDP party.
The government's plan to make vaccination compulsory for all is also causing a stir and opposition, particularly in Bavaria where the regional government, led by the conservative opposition, has lifted the obligation for healthcare workers to be vaccinated by March 15.
This rebellion in one of the country's most important regional states has revived fears that the compulsory vaccination project for the entire adult population, initiated by the government majority, will not win a majority in parliament.
Several European countries, such as Denmark, England, France, have lifted certain restrictions linked to Covid-19, in a still tense health context.
